Visiting the beaches of Arniston or Waenhuiskrans & seeing the “cave”

The Waenhuiskrans cave is the best-known cave within the area and known world-wide. This cave is one of the focal points of the Waenhuiskrans/Arniston town as Waenhuiskrans is named after this natural phenomenon.

Visiting the fishing village of Kassiesbaai, which borders Arniston and meeting the locals

Eating Out

History of the area

Shipwrecks

In 1766 the Dutch Hoeker, Meermin went to Madagascar to buy slaves for the Cape. There was a revolt by the slaves and the sailors cut the anchor cable and the ship ran a shore. The location where it ran ashore is at the river month. Two wrecks were already found but after identification was found not to be the Meermin (J. Boshoff 2012, UZIKO Museum, pers comm). Another vessel the Maggie was also grounded in 1872 approximately 2 km from the current mouth 34°43’10”S and 20°06’29”E. After heavy storms the Maggie reveals herself.

Archeological Middens

Archaeological material of importance is present near Struispunt in the Waenhuiskrans Nature Reserve. A number of stone features occur across the midden surface. These are clusters of mostly cobbles and some boulders. Some of the features, not having eroded and slumped, are distinct but most are dispersed to varying degrees. In a few instances, ashy and carbonised sediment is visible between and below the stones. Many flaked quartzite cobbles as well as quartz cores and flakes lie scattered on the surface. A small number of the un-flaked cobbles show use as hammer stones and grindstones. Ochre (pigment) is present but uncommon. Pottery fragments are also present but infrequent.

Fish traps (Visvyvers)

Many fish traps are found within the inter-tidal zone of the Waenhuiskrans Nature Reserve. The local community has over the years maintained these traps, which periodically yield good catches of fish. These traps are a good provider of protein during the winter months, when bad weather dictates that boats cannot go out to sea. All of the Waenhuiskrans fish traps are older than 60 years and thus are protected by South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA).

Navigational Beacon

The beacon, erected on 28 September 1871, was built due to the number of ships striking Saxon Reef just off Struis Point. This beacon used to have a large copper ball on top that reflected the rays of the sun to the ships at sea. It is of great historical importance as it is the only known one of its kind ever erected. During November 2003 Portnet installed a light on top of the existing beacon as a navigational tool for sea users.

Other Artefacts

Elephant skeletons of an adult and calf were recovered from shifting sand dunes in the late 1980’s.